Analítico de Periódico
PAYNE, Brian K.
Perceptions about the criminalization of elder abuse among police chiefs and ombudsmen / Brian K. Payne, Bruce L. Berg
Crime & Delinquency, London, V.49, n.3 (July 2003), p. 439-459
Published in cooperation with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency
VIOLENCIA, PESSOA IDOSA, CRIMINOLOGIA, POLICIA
The 1990s witnessed the criminalization of elder abuse. This criminalization included the creation of mandatory-reporting legislation, increased penalties for elder abusers, and modifications in criminal procedures for older victims. Little attention has been given to those officials actually involved in deciding haw elder abuse cases should be handled. This research considers the sanctions recommended by police chiefs and ombudsmen for six different types of offenses against seniors. Attention is also directed toward potential differences between the groups' attitudes about elder abuse. Results indicate that ombudsmen see nursing home offenses as more severe than street offenses or whjte-collar offenses. Police chiefs see street offenses as the most severe offense type. lmplications are provided.